Discover San Sebastián – Coast, Culture and Pintxos

San Sebastián combines the central Playa de La Concha, Monte Igeldo, Monte Urgull, Santa Clara Island, the Parte Vieja and the city’s pintxos tradition into a diverse urban experience. San Sebastián can therefore be explored according to different interests: between beach and sea, viewpoints and walking paths, urban history, art and culinary discoveries.

Coast and water at Playa de La Concha

Playa de La Concha is located in the centre of San Sebastián. It is one of the city’s great landmarks and is considered one of the best-known urban beaches in Europe. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for hire at Playa de La Concha. This means that, alongside the classic experience by the water, visitors can also enjoy a sporting activity that makes the city’s coastal character directly tangible.

Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull: paths offering different impressions

A classic amusement park is located at the summit of Monte Igeldo. Monte Igeldo also has paths through the open air. Monte Urgull has paved paths through exotic vegetation and offers viewpoints overlooking San Sebastián. The two mountains therefore provide different highlights: Monte Igeldo combines an amusement park and paths, while Monte Urgull combines paths, vegetation and views.

Historical traces and art by the sea

Monte Urgull preserves fortifications and part of San Sebastián’s historic city wall. At the farthest end of Monte Igeldo, where the city meets the sea, Peine del Viento comprises three steel sculptures, each weighing more than nine tonnes. The Parte Vieja is San Sebastián’s historic district between the Urumea and the harbour. It preserves the oldest buildings in the city.

Santa Clara: beach, paths and Hondalea

Santa Clara Island has a small beach and paths with picnic areas. Hondalea, a sculpture by Cristina Iglesias, was inaugurated in the island’s lighthouse in 2021.

On foot, by bicycle and from bar to bar

San Sebastián is flat and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Pintxos are an essential part of a visit to San Sebastián. When eating pintxos, visitors usually visit several bars and try one or two pintxos at each stop. This way of eating shapes the rhythm of an evening and makes the city’s culinary side an experience in its own right.

Discover San Sebastián according to your interests

Playa de La Concha represents the coast and water, while Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull stand for paths, views and different impressions of the landscape; the Parte Vieja and Peine del Viento, meanwhile, focus on historical and artistic highlights respectively. Santa Clara adds the beach, picnic areas and Hondalea as further specific places to visit.

You can also discover more destinations in Astigarraga, Debabarrena, Elduain, Zestoa, Villabona, Altzola, Bidania and Mondragón.

For the overarching travel overview: Gipuzkoa.